Shop for Birds

An uneven branch, which is the point.

A clear tube, so you can see when it is empty.

Makes them work for it, which is the point.

Something hard enough to wear the beak down.

Meant to be destroyed.

A perch that moves under them.

Layers to pull apart, one at a time.

Sticks to the shower wall, folds away after.

Enough to furnish an empty cage in one go.

Falling water, which is what they actually respond to.

Softwood, for a bird that will not touch mineral.

Keeps the husks in the cage, not on the carpet.

Clear, so you can see it is empty from across the room.

A dark cavity, which is what they are looking for.

The seed stays in the hopper until the bird takes it.

The bird eats inside the box, so the husk stays inside the box.

Bolts through the bars, so it does not get tipped over.

A rough perch worn in daily use beats a nail clip twice a year.

Spin it, and dinner falls out. Slowly.

A floor in the middle of the cage, where there was only air.